Trivia stock exchange board game

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a game apparatus comprising a board having a plurality of spaces. Each space represents a stock that can be purchased. Located on each space is an indicia for representing a particular category, followed by a numerical representation. A plurality of cards having a plurality of questions is provided. The questions are in categories that correspond to the indicia on the board. Landing on the space enables the space to be placed on the market so that bids can be taken. The highest bidder can purchase the stock. If the player lands on a space that he owns, then he can answer a question that corresponds to the particular category. If answered correctly he is reward via the amount shown via the numerical representation. The players strive to gain the most money by buying and trading stocks throughout the game.

[0001] This is a utility Patent Application for Provisionally File Application No. 60/168,731 filed on Dec. 6, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to board games and more particularly to board games mimicking the New York Stock Exchange, whereby players strive to gain the most money by buying and trading stocks throughout the game.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Board games attempting to simulate real play of the Stock Exchange are common in the prior art. Due to the intrigue with stock exchange and the ever-changing market, these simulated games are generally played for enjoyment and entertainment in an exciting and challenging environment.

[0006] One such game is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,747 issued to Nebel. Here there is disclosed a board game which simulates for each player security transactions within the stock market. The player with the most valuable stock portfolio at the end of the game will be declared the winner.

[0007] Yet another game is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,198,521 issued to Kramer et al. In this patent there is discloses a board game whereby the play simulates playing the stock market. The players buy stock at a low price and sell it for a higher price. The first player who succeeds in increasing his original bankroll to a specified amount is declared the winner.

[0008] Still a further game that stimulates the stock market exchange is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,195 issued to Brand et al. In this patent a board game is disclosed in which the player strives to acquire the most valuable stock portfolio while moving across the board according to the roll of the dice.

[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,746 issued to Pacella there is disclosed an investment board game providing for various investment options including stocks, retirement savings, casino, lottery and the like. The object of the game is to be the first player to turn a predetermined amount of income into the set objective amount of income through the investment options.

[0010] Other games have been developed that challenge the individual's knowledge of a particular subject. For example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,389 issued to Freda III, there is disclosed a board game wherein a plurality of history based trivia questions is provided. Each question is appointed appropriated award points. Upon answering the question correctly, the player to advances one space for each point awarded. The winner is the player to reaches a predetermine space on the playing board.

[0011] Other boards games exist that are geared at educating the consumer. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,788 there is disclosed a board game that provides the player to be introduced to the rules of economics and finance in such a manner that facilitates the learning process.

[0012] As evidenced by the above patents, various board games exist. What will be seen is that there is a need to provide a game that is exciting and versatile and one that utilizes several skills of the players, so as to provide a game that is desirable to play continually and repetitively. This game should be somewhat challenging, yet simple enough to be enjoyed and played by a wide variety of individuals, regardless of their mental magnitude. The game should be entertaining and mentally stimulating, so as to provide an ultimate board game to be invariably enjoyed during each moment of play.

[0013] As will be seen, the present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages by accomplishing the needs as identified above, through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing only readily available material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is a trivia board game modeled to the stock market that can be played by at least two players. The game of the present invention includes a playing board, a plurality of game tokens, dice, trading pads, share certificates, play money and a plurality of trivia question cards, each within a trivia subcategory.

[0015] The playing board is designed and configured to represent the trading floor of the stock market. The board is substantially rectangular having an inner area and an outer area, which outline the perimeter of board. This outer perimeter comprises of approximately 32 trapezoidal spaces, approximately 25 of that allow the player to answer a trivia question. The remaining board spaces contain approximately one lose a turn, approximately three rest spaces, and the starting space, which can be considered a rest space.

[0016] Before the start of the play, the players elect a Specialist and an Exchange Treasure. The specialist is the only person who can issue new shares of stock from the exchange as well as oversee and conduct the auctions. The Exchange Treasurer is the person who receives money from players who buy shares of stock from the exchange and issues dividends to players upon a provided correct answer to a trivia question.

[0017] Play cards contain questions and corresponding correct answers concerning unlimited subjects. Preferably play cards contain questions and corresponding correct answers concerning trivia in the following five categories: business and finance, entertainment, general sciences, social sciences and sports. Each category has a corresponding symbol, which represent the particular category or subject. This symbol is represent on the playing board.

[0018] Each player is a broker on the trivia stock exchange. At the start of the game each player is issued a total of $50,000.00 as follows: Five $100's, five $500's, seven $1000's, two 5000's and three $10,000's.

[0019] At the start of play, players may roll dice to determine the turn of the players. At each play, upon the roll of the dice, the player advances their token on the board game. If the player at turn lands on a board space denoted by stock, the Specialist would open up the floor with an auction to begin bidding. All players may bid for the stock. The opening price of the stock is 100% of the value of the dividend per share, with each new bid increasing by a minimum of a pre-determine cash value increments, such as in increments of $1.00. The highest bidder is deemed the “buyer”. The dividends are limited, as defined on the board and preferably are two, three, four, five and six dollars in value.

[0020] At this point, the selected Specialist provides the buyer or highest bidder a receipt for the stock by utilizing the Trading Pads as well as the corresponding share certificate. The selected Exchange Treasure collects the monies for the stock from the highest bidder.

[0021] If the highest bidder is the player who landed on the stock, he who is on the particular space, then he has a chance to answer a trivia question in the representing category. If the player provides a correct answer to a trivia question he receives the dividend per share times 100 shares. If the player who landed on the stock, he, who is on the particular space, loses the auction, then play is passed to the next player. The game continues in this manner until the players deem the end of play. Thus providing for the players to determine the termination of play.

[0022] Player may sell stock that they own at anytime in the game. In addition, the player who purchases the stock is the owner of the particular stock. Thus the purchaser is the owner of the particular space. It is only that owner of the space that is entitled and privileged to the particular question of the particular subject. If someone is on the space and is not the owner, then that person who has landed on the particular space is not entitled to the question. The owner of the space or the stock can offer the individual who has landed on the space the option of purchase. If the individual on the space agrees to buy at the agreed upon price, then the individual is entitled to attempt to answer the question correctly.

[0023] The game of the present invention permits players to make loans to other players, charge interests, and secures collateral, such as stocks. The game also allows players to participate in trading calls, puts, futures, derivatives, and other various financial options during the game. However, the Exchange and Specialist do not facilitate any of these options, the individual players must initiate the various options amongst themselves.

[0024] In the game of the instant invention there are two types of calls, a covered call and a naked call. A call is an option that permits its holder to purchase a specific asset at a predetermined price until a certain date. For example, a Broker may purchase a call option on a stock that confers the right to buy shares at $25 per share until a set date. In the present invention, preferably the time will be kept based on so many spaces around the Floor of Exchange, which is the board game. Another option is to keep the actual time. A covered call is a call option contract, which the seller of the contract owns the shares that he is selling the option contracts against. A naked call is a call option contract that the seller does not own the shares, which he is selling a contract against. In the game of the instant invention Brokers may sell covered or naked calls, but if the buyer of the call wishes to exercise his option, the seller of the contract must fulfill the obligations of the contract and deliver his shares immediately. If the seller of a call or put cannot fulfill his contract obligations he is disqualified from the game and his stocks are sold in a special auction and he is out for the rest of the game.

[0025] A put is an option that conveys to its holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell a specific asset at a predetermined price until a certain date. The price at which puts and calls are exercised at is called the “strike price”. Also, it is noted that put and call options are option contracts that last for a certain amount of time. As mentioned earlier, the preferred method of keeping time is based on so many times around the board, however actual time may be kept.

[0026] During play of the game, players may also sell and buy futures and derivatives. Futures are contracts that the seller promises to deliver a set amount of shares of stock at a certain price. Derivatives are bets that certain things will happen, either whether a certain broker will land on a certain stock or whether a broker can answer a certain question, or whether a stock will reach a certain price.

[0027] If at any point during the game, a player cannot pay his debts, he is disqualified, or bankrupt. The Specialist auctions off the broker's property and divides the proceeds equally among his creditors. The game or exchange only buys shares back at the end of the game.

[0028] At the end of the game, the player's cash in all their receipts, return the share certificates to the Specialist, so as to receive the cash value of what the player last paid for the stock. After adding the stock receipts to the remaining cash on hand, the player with the most money is declared the winner.

[0029] Thus, the game provided is fun and challenging, offering users to strategically plan their purchases and sells. This particular game also prevents brokers (players) to form pools, mutual funds or hedge funds, thereby providing for the brokers to act as their own entity.

[0030] Alternatively, marginal trading can be done. In this embodiment, Margin Trading is defined as buying and selling of securities in an account. Broker's who wanted to earn additional money would finance on margin; thereby allowing other broker's to purchase additional stocks on finance. In the game of the present invention, if other Brokers wish to finance other Broker's margin trades they may do so. The other Broker's determine the amount of the Broker's initial margin and the interest rate to be assessed to the other Broker's who borrow money from them to buy stock. The Broker who finances the margin trade holds the shares in his account or possession, however the shares are designated as the property of the Broker who purchased them on margin. The Broker who bought the shares on margin receives any dividends he generates for the shares by answering game questions correctly. Prior to selling shares bought on margin, the Broker must settle the original margin trade. For example, the Broker must pay any outstanding interest payments and pay back the balance of the margin loan. The game of the present invention permits for margin calls. The Broker who finances the margin trade sets a price at the outset of the transaction so that if the price of the stock that has been financed on margin falls below the set price, then the Broker who purchased the shares on margin can either put up additional money to maintain the trade called a maintenance margin or close the trade out by selling it in a sale and settling his account with the Broker who financed his margin purchase. In a maintenance margin, the Broker who purchased the shares on margin continues the trade and puts up additional money. This enables the Broker to receive that money back if he sells the margined stock at a profit. The Broker that bought the shares on margin is required to settle the margin trade including paying any outstanding interest payments and paying back the balance of the margin loan.

[0031] Short selling is defined as the sale of a security that must be borrowed to make delivery. In the game of the present invention, short selling is essentially borrowing shares from the financier of the margin trade, selling them at a higher price in hopes of buying them at a lower price later in the game and covering his shorts. Selling short may be done between individual Brokers and may only be done if another Broker has financed a margin trade. As the game progresses, another Broker may wish to sell those shares short. In the game of the instant invention Brokers may only sell short the number of shares that are held by other brokers as margin trades and may only be done if the Broker who financed the margin trade will agree to loan those margined shares. The Broker that shorts must put up an initial margin payment, as well as make interest payments at the agreed upon rate. The two Brokers involved in the short selling must agree to a price at which if the stock is sold above in another transaction, a margin call would be issued. If a margin call is issued the Broker selling short would have to put up more money to continue the trade.

[0032] Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide a trivia stock exchange game which will overcome the deficiencies, shortcomings, and drawbacks of the prior stock exchange games, trivia games and methods thereof.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide for a board game that enables a players to gain monetary capitol by buying and selling stocks in trivia categories and receiving dividends for correctly answering questions in the particular trivia subcategories when they represent.

[0034] Still another object of the present invention is provide for a board game that stimulates the stock market by providing a game that is mentally stimulating, so as to provide an ultimate board game to be invariably enjoyed during each moment of play.

[0035] A final object of the present invention, to be specifically enumerated herein, is to provide a trivia stock exchange game in accordance with the preceding objects and which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that would be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation.

[0036] Although there have been many board games simulating the Stock Exchange, none of the inventions have become sufficiently compact, low cost, and reliable enough to become commonly used. The present invention meets the requirements of the simplified design, compact size, low initial cost, low operating cost, and minimal amount of training to successfully employ the invention.

[0037] The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and application of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0038]FIG. 1 is a top plan view illustrating the board utilized with the trivia stock exchange game of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an example of the play money used in accordance with the trivia stock exchange game of the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 3a is a plan front view of an example of a trivia play card used in accordance with the trivia stock exchange game of the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 3b is a plan rear view of an example of a trivia play card used in accordance with the trivia stock exchange game of the present invention.

[0042]FIGS. 4a-4 i are plan views of the game tokens that the players may select for use with the trivia stock exchange game of the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 5 is a plan view of an example of a trading pad to be used in accordance with the trivia stock exchange game of the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 6 is a plan view of an example of a Share Certificate to be used in accordance with the trivia stock exchange game of the present invention.

[0045] Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0046] With reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown the board game apparatus of the present invention. This particular game is structured so as to be played by at least two players and is designed and configured to stimulate the stock market. The object of the present invention is to gain as much wealth as possible by buying and selling stocks in trivia categories and receiving dividends for correctly answering questions in the particular trivia subcategories which they represent.

[0047] In order to achieve the object, the various elements of the present invention, a trivia stock exchange game is shown in FIGS. 1-5. As seen, the game is modeled to the actual New York Wallstreet Stock Exchange and includes a playing board 10 (FIG. 1), trading pads 12 (FIG. 5), play money 14 (FIG. 2), a plurality of trivia playing cards 16 (FIG. 3), and share certificates 18 (FIG. 6).

[0048] The playing board 10, as seen in FIG. 1, symbolizes the New York Wall Street Stock Exchange, and is substantially rectangular in shape so as to provide for the board to include an inner area 20 and an outer area 22. The outer area 22 follows the perimeter of the inner area. Outer area is divided into a plurality of spaces. These spaces can be any number, shape, size or coloration. Thus, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the number of spaces, size of spaces, shape of spaces and color of each space can be altered, changed, increased and/or decreased as deemed desired by manufacture and/or consumer.

[0049] One example of a game board that has proven to be successful is shown in FIG. 1, as seen this playing board includes thirty-two trapezoidal spaces 24. Each space, represents either a trivia space 24 a, a rest space 24 b, a “lose your turn space” 24 c, an instruction space 24 d. The “Start” space represents a “rest” space. The trivia spaces define the stock that can be purchase. The number following the stock is the number of dividends that can be rewarded. In this game, if a player lands on the trivia space and it is not pre-owned, then the stock is available for purchase by any player. Bids are taken. The highest bid will enable the purchase of the particular stock. Purchasing the stock provides for the owner the right to that particular space. If the owner lands on that space, the owner is entitled to card that contains questions of various subjects. If the owner answers the particular question correctly, then he is paid dividends, as indicated on the board via the numerical number. If the individual does not own that space or stock, then he is not entitled to the question.

[0050] The board of the present invention can be fabricated from any durable material, but is preferably manufactured of cardboard, paperboard or other sheet material, and includes scored lines 26 so that players may fold the playing board 10 thereby reducing the area occupied during storage. Optionally, the board can be fabricated from a flexible yet sturdy material such as plastic, felt or the like so as to eliminate the need of score lines.

[0051] Tokens are utilized for representing the particular players of the game and to represent location on the board. It is these token that are use for advancement on the board. The tokens can include any shape, structure or designed that is representative of distinct players. For example, color discs can be used, wherein each color represents a certain player. Optionally, pieces depicting structures generally associated with Wall street can be utilized, such as the tokens as shown in FIGS. 4a-4 i. As seen in these figures, the game tokens can include a bear 26 a, bull 26 b, rabbit 26 c, white knight 26 d, raider 26 e, pig 26 f, golden parachute 26 g, green mail 26 h, and a golf club 26 i.

[0052] The trivia spaces located on the board correspond to questions that are located on playing cards 22. An example of a playing card is shown in FIGS. 3a and 3 b. As seen the playing card 16 comprises a front surface 28 (see FIG. 3a) and a back surface 30 (see FIG. 3b). The front surface 28 includes a top section that can include a logo (as illustrated) or the like located thereon. The lower section includes a plurality of questions 32. Each questions if for a specific category. In the example shown there are five questions, each question related to a different category. In this case there would be five categories. The surface (see FIG. 3b) includes a top section that can include a logo (as illustrated) or the like located thereon. The lower section includes a plurality of answers 34 that correspond to the questions. Thus, the back surface contains a plurality of correct answers 34 to the trivia question 32 for each of the particular categories. The trivia playing cards 16 contain questions 32 and correct answers 34 concerning trivia from the particular categories represented on the trivia playing cards by providing a symbol, logo or the like to be located on a side of the question and answer. In the example shown, the symbols “BF”, “EN”, “GS”, “SS”, and “SP” are used to represent business and finance (BF), entertainment (EN), general sciences (GS), social sciences (SS) and sports (SP). As seen in FIG. 1, each of the category symbols is represented on the playing board 10. For example in a business and finance category (BF) a question may be. “Who was the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission?”. The answer would be Joseph P. Kennedy. Thus is the individual on that space owned that space, and correctly answered the question, then he would be entitled to the dividends as stated on the board.

[0053] To avoid the players from viewing the questions and/or answers during play, the cards can be stored in a box or the like. This will provide for the top section to be accessibly or partially accessible when stored therein. Thus providing a storage means as well as a means of covering and concealing both the questions and answers when not in use.

[0054] In order to purchase stocks, money must be utilized. An example of money that can be used in the game of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. As seen this product can be fabricated from paper or the like and will include indicia for representing various monetary values. The values can be varied.

[0055] Trading pads 12 are used for recording trades and purchases. An example of a pad is shown in FIG. 5. As seen in this figure, the user has the capability of recording the purchase price of the particular stock. This will provide for the pad to act as a receipt for the player. In addition to recording the purchase price and number of stocks bought, a certificate will also be provided. An example of the certificate 18 is illustrated in FIG. 6.

Preferred Mode of Play

[0056] The following are suggested, but not mandatory, as some of the more pertinent mode of playing for the board game of the present invention. The object of the present invention is obtain monetary capital through the process of purchasing and selling stock in trivia categories and receiving dividends for answering questions in the trivia sub-categories which they represent.

Initiation

[0057] To initiate play, a “Specialists” and an “Exchange Treasurer” is select. The “Specialists” is the person who can issue new shares of stocks from the exchange and will oversee and conduct auctions. This “Specialists” is responsible for issuing a maximum of 100 shares of each stock, which is represented by a trivia subcategory. The “Exchange Treasurer” is the person who receives money from players who buy shares of stock from the exchange and issues dividends to players upon a provided correct answer to a trivia question. Dividends are preferably in the amount of $2, $3, $4, $5, and $6. Per share.

[0058] Each player is a broker on the trivia stock exchange. At the start of the game each player is issued a total of $50,000.00 as follows: Five $100's, five $500's, seven $1000's, two 5000's and three $10,000's.

[0059] At the start of play, players may roll dice to determine the turn of the players. At each play, upon the roll of the dice, the player advances their token on the board game. If the player at turn lands on a board space denoted by stock, the Specialist would open up the floor with an auction to begin bidding. All players may bid for the stock. The opening price of the stock is 100% of the value of the dividend per share, with each new bid increasing by a minimum of a pre-determine cash value increments, such as in increments of $1.00. The highest bidder is deemed the “buyer”.

[0060] For determining the turn of the players conventional methods can be utilized, such as rolling a dice and allowing the player the highest rolled number to go first, and each preceding number to follow accordingly. Tokens are selected for each player. The first player rolls the dice and the number rolled is the number of spaces he advances from the start space.

Opponent Advancement and Purchasing Opportunity

[0061] The spaces on the board each have a specific representation. Each space, represents either a trivia space 24 a, a rest space 24 b, a “lose your turn space” 24 c, an instruction space 24 e. The “Start” space represents a “rest” space, after initiation of the game.

[0062] The trivia space is represented by a numerical value as well as a logo. This trivia space is also known as a floor and it is on this floor that purchasing may begin. The numerical value represents the face value of the particular stock, while the logo represents the type of stock. For example, if an individual, as seen in FIG. 1, landed on a space labeled as “BF6”, then the stock being purchase is business and finance and it has a purchase face value of $6.00 a share.

[0063] Thus if a player lands on a trivia space then the designated “Specialist” would open the floor with an auction to begin bidding. All players may bid for the stock. The opening price of the stock is the value of the dividend per share, which each new bid increasing by a minimum of a set price, such as, and preferable, $1.00. The highest bidder is the purchaser of the particular stock.

[0064] At this point the “Specialists” then writes the buyer a receipt for the stock utilizing a trading pad and then finds the corresponding Share Certificate. Upon payer to the Exchange Treasurer, the receipt and certificate are given to the buyer.

[0065] It is the job of the “Specialists” to maintain the total number of Share certificates of the stocks in the trivia sub-categories. Preferably, there are 100 share certificates of stocks in the trivia sub-categories. In addition, preferably there are 25 certificates of 100 shares each representing each trivia sub-category.

[0066] If the player who is one the particular space is the actual buyer then he can have the opportunity to answer the question on the trivia card. If the player on the space is not the buyer of the particular stock, then it is the next player turn.

[0067] If the player answers the question on the trivia card correctly, then he receives the dividends per share time 100 shares. For example, if the dividends per share were six dollars, then he would receive $600. Dividends are pained in the amounts of $2.00, $3.00, $4.00, $5.00, and $6.00.

[0068] Players may during the course of play sell stock they own to other players. They discard original receipt so that new receipt can be received from the “Specialists”. Optionally, the other players can write their own receipts from their Trading Pads. They then give the receipt and the corresponding share certificate to the purchaser in exchange for a consideration of game play money.

[0069] Players also have the ability to make loans to other players; charge interests, and secures collateral, such as stocks. The game also allows players to participate in trading calls, puts, futures, derivatives, and other various financial options during the game. However, the Exchange and Specialist do not facilitate any of these options, the individual players must initiate the various options amongst themselves.

[0070] There are two types of loans, know as secured and unsecured. Secured loans are backed with stocks or collateral. A maximum interest can be set, prior to playing the game.

[0071] Unsecured loans are not backed with collateral. A maximum interest can be set and this interest can be higher than a secure loan, since no collateral is provided. In addition this loan can also be set by the number of times an individual goes around the board. For example, each time an individual goes around the board, a certain amount of interest must be paid.

[0072] In the game of the instant invention there are two types of calls, a covered call and a naked call. A call is an option that permits its holder to purchase a specific asset at a predetermined price until a certain date. For example, in reality, on the stock market a Broker may purchase a call option on a stock that confers the right to buy shares at $25 per share until a set date. In the game of the present invention, preferably the time will be kept based on so many spaces around the Floor of Exchange, which is the board game. Thus allowing the purchase of a call until the preset number of spaces has been meet. Alternatively, a timer can be provided and thus allowing the purchase of a call until designated by the time.

[0073] A covered call is a call option contract, which the seller of the contract owns the shares that he is selling the option contracts against. A naked call is a call option contract that the seller does not own the shares, which he is selling a contract against. In the game of the instant invention Brokers (the players) may sell covered or naked calls, but if the buyer (other players) of the call wishes to exercise his option, the seller of the contract must fulfill the obligations of the contract and deliver his shares immediately. If the seller of a call or put cannot fulfill his contract obligations he is disqualified from the game and his stocks are sold in a special auction and he is out for the rest of the game.

[0074] A put is an option that conveys to its holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell a specific asset at a predetermined price until a certain date. The price at which puts and calls are exercised at is called the “strike price”. Also, it is noted that put and call options are option contracts that last for a certain amount of time. As mentioned earlier, the preferred method of keeping time is based on so many times around the board, however actual time may be kept.

[0075] During play of the game, players may also sell and buy futures and derivatives. Futures are contracts that the seller promises to deliver a set amount of shares of stock at a certain price. Derivatives are bets that certain things will happen, either whether a certain broker will land on a certain stock or whether a broker can answer a certain question, or whether a stock will reach a certain price.

[0076] For example, with calls Player A sells a call to player B on X security at X strike price for X amount of time. The calls and puts shall be America style options, that is exercise at any time before or at expiration. If player B does not exercise before or at expiration, Player A does not have to deliver the shares to player B. If player B exercises the option, player A must deliver the shares and at strike price.

[0077] For example, with puts, player A buys from player B as put on security X within a strike of X and an expiration of X time. Player A may exercise at or prior to expiration and player B must buy from Player A the shares at the strike price agreed in the put.

[0078] For example, with futures, player A purchases from player B Y futures contract on security X, which player B agrees to deliver X number of shares on security X at X date. Player B must deliver X number of shares at X date. The shares are paid for ahead of time by player A in price of futures.

[0079] For example, with derivatives, player A sells to Player B a derivative at X price that security X will reach a certain price of that value. Player X will land on security X within that time period X. If these events occur then player A will pay player B x amount of money.

[0080] If at any point during the game, a player cannot pay his debts, he is disqualified, or bankrupt. The Specialist auctions off the broker's property and divides the proceeds equally among his creditors.

[0081] At the end of the game, the player's cash in all their receipts, return the share certificates to the Specialist, so as to receive the cash value of what the player last paid for the stock. After adding the stock receipts to the remaining cash on hand, the player with the most money is declared the winner.

[0082] Alternatively, the game can be played by allowing margin trading and short selling. In this embodiment, Margin Trading is defined as buying and selling of securities in an account. Broker's who wanted to earn additional money would finance on margin; thereby allowing other broker's to purchase additional stocks on finance. In the game of the present invention, if other Brokers wish to finance other Broker's margin trades they may do so. The other Broker's determine the amount of the Broker's initial margin and the interest rate to be assessed to the other Broker's who borrow money from them to buy stock. The Broker who finances the margin trade holds the shares in his account or possession, however the shares are designated as the property of the Broker who purchased them on margin. The Broker who bought the shares on margin receives any dividends he generates for the shares by answering game questions correctly. Prior to selling shares bought on margin, the Broker must settle the original margin trade. For example, the Broker must pay any outstanding interest payments and pay back the balance of the margin loan. The game of the present invention permits for margin calls. The Broker who finances the margin trade sets a price at the outset of the transaction so that if the price of the stock that has been financed on margin falls below the set price, then the Broker who purchased the shares on margin can either put up additional money to maintain the trade called a maintenance margin or close the trade out by selling it in a sale and settling his account with the Broker who financed his margin purchase. In a maintenance margin, the Broker who purchased the shares on margin continues the trade and puts up additional money. This enables the Broker to receive that money back if he sells the margined stock at a profit. The Broker that bought the shares on margin is required to settle the margin trade including paying any outstanding interest payments and paying back the balance of the margin loan.

[0083] Short selling is defined as the sale of a security that must be borrowed to make delivery. In the game of the present invention, short selling is essentially borrowing shares from the financier of the margin trade, selling them at a higher price in hopes of buying them at a lower price later in the game and covering his shorts. Selling short may be done between individual Brokers and may only be done if another Broker has financed a margin trade. As the game progresses, another Broker may wish to sell those shares short. In the game of the instant invention Brokers may only sell short the number of shares that are held by other brokers as margin trades and may only be done if the Broker who financed the margin trade will agree to loan those margined shares. The Broker that shorts must put up an initial margin payment, as well as make interest payments at the agreed upon rate. The two Brokers involved in the short selling must agree to a price at which if the stock is sold above in another transaction, a margin call would be issued. If a margin call is issued the Broker selling short would have to put up more money to continue the trade.

[0084] With margin and short selling, for example, if player A borrows money from Player B to buy 100 shares of BF6 for 60 or $6000.00 total. Player A puts up Initial margin of $3000.00 or fifty percent. Player B sets maintenance margin at $35, if the stack falls below $35 in subsequent trading, player B would receive a margin call from Player A. Player B must then pay player A the difference of what the stock is trading at and maintenance margin price. If the stock is at $29, player B would pay player A the difference of $6.00. If player B did not wish to pay player A the $6.00, player B could close out his margin trade by selling his stock in the market and pay player A any money he may owe him as a result of the trade plus any accrued interest. Short selling using the above example in a margin trade like the one previously discussed is where player A is the broker who financed the margin trades. Player A holds the shares he financed for player B, but player B receives the dividends from the shares is he answers a question correctly at the proper item. Player A may receive interests from player A but not any dividends. Let say player C wants to short the shares. If player A agrees, player C borrows the shares from Player A and sells them to player D. Player A may also collect interest from player C and set a maintenance margin as well as take initial margin.

[0085] The Trivia Stock Exchange Board Game of the present invention may include various configurations of the play board, various configurations of the game tokens, various configurations of the trading pads 18 and play money and various embodiments for the trivia playing cards.

[0086] Similarly, the Trivia Stock Exchange Board Game of the present invention may be manufactured, supplied, and played in various forms. Considerations for final and appropriate form include manufacturing convenience, manufacturing cost, player convenience and player cost. In addition to the “hardware” game described here, the Trivia Stock Exchange board game may be made and played in “software” form, preferably using compact disk storage media having a program or programs to mirror each of the “hardware” game elements necessary to practice the present invention.

[0087] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A board game apparatus comprising: a board having a plurality of spaces; a set of categories; each space represents a particular category of said set of categories; a plurality of playing pieces for representing a plurality of player; a plurality of cards; each card includes a set of questions having corresponding answers to said set of questions; and each question on said card includes an indicia for indicating which categories said question represents.
 2. A board game apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each space includes a numerical value and said numerical value represents a dividend amount.
 3. A board game apparatus as in claim 1 wherein a system of enabling a particular player to purchase said space. 